Jane Oppenheimer

Jane Falk Oppenheimer, of Boise, Idaho, passed away Saturday, November 6, 2010, at her family home in Boise. Jane was born in Boise to Leo J. and Helen Falk. The Falks were a pioneer family in Idaho. Nathan Falk, Jane's grandfather, arrived in Boise in the 1860's and established Falks Department Stores with his brothers several years thereafter. Leo Falk was responsible for developing the Owyhee Hotel, Egyptian Theater among others. She attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Boise High School, and graduated from St. Teresa's Academy, all in Boise, attended Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, and Finch School in New York City. Jane worked in New York City before World War II for the Navy. She then joined the Red Cross and served during World War II in Washington, D.C., London, and Walhampton, England with the Red Cross. She met Arthur Oppenheimer in New York City, and wrote in her diary the first night that they met, "I have finally met the man whom I would like to marry". They were engaged in 1943 and married August 1, 1945 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Jane and Arthur had a wonderful marriage for over 55 years. They both always exuded a sense of adventure and learning during their entire lives. As one example, Jane and Arthur went on an Around the World Trip in 1952 for 4 ½ months, at a time when that was a very difficult and challenging thing to do, bringing back stories of experiences that were remarkable to all who heard them. Jane was very active and involved in numerous community and statewide organizations. These included: Idaho Public Television (PBS), the Idaho Botanical Garden where she was a founding member, served on the Board and created the Jane Oppenheimer Rose Garden with her husband Arthur, the Idaho Commission on the Arts where she served as a Board Member, Idaho Community Foundation where she and Arthur set up the initial fund created by individuals, Boise Philharmonic, Idaho Shakespeare Festival among numerous others. She served on other Boards including the Boise Junior League, Head Start, Family Advocate Program, College of Idaho, Boise Opera Guild, Boise Art Museum and the Youth Tennis Foundation. She was a member of the Boise Garden Club, Women's Investment Club, Hillcrest Country Club and the Arid Club. She received numerous awards including the Idaho Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, Idaho Statesman Distinguished Citizen, Girl Scout Women Leaders of Today and Tomorrow, and the Boise Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award. Jane was known to all for her incredible curiosity, spirit, energy and joy of life. She had numerous close friends whom she treasured over many years. Her friends encompassed all ages and backgrounds. Jane was someone whom all could relate to and to whom she gave total focus and attention. Her range of friends and interests continued throughout her life and provided an incredible role model for the many people with whom she came in contact. She was someone who combined an amazing sense of humor with insight and wisdom that inspired many. Jane is survived by her children: Arthur F (Skip) Oppenheimer and his wife Esther, Jane Blatteis and her husband David, Doug Oppenheimer, John Oppenheimer and his wife Deanna; grandchildren: Josh Oppenheimer, Matt Oppenheimer, Sam Blatteis, Jeremy Blatteis, Ben Blatteis, Sarah Oppenheimer and her husband Kris Sanborn, Tara Oppenheimer, Will Oppenheimer, Andrew Oppenheimer, Gracie Oppenheimer, Jeni Oppenheimer, and James Oppenheimer; and Jane's great grandson, Miles Douglas Sanborn. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Oppenheimer; her mother and father, Leo J. and Helen Falk; her sister and brother in law Elaine and Al Chambers; her brother, Dr. Leo Falk and her daughter in law, Linda Oppenheimer. A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on, Thursday, November 11th at the Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road in Boise under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home. A private family inurnment will be held at Pioneer Cemetery in Boise. Donations may be made to: Idaho Public Television, Idaho Food Bank, and Family Advocates in the name of Jane Oppenheimer.